06/04/2026
I've been on this soapbox for at least 20 years.
When it comes to Jury Duty, I hear the same comments:
"I need to find a way out of it." "They don't pay enough." "It's a waste of time." "Somebody else can do it."
But then a high-profile case comes along and suddenly everyone has strong opinions about the jury, the verdict, the process, and whether justice was served.
The recent case in Collin County has reignited conversations about jury selection, representation, and what it means to have a jury that reflects the community. Regardless of where anyone stands on that particular case, it highlights something I've believed for a very long time:
You cannot complain about who is sitting in the jury box if you're unwilling to sit in it yourself.
Jury duty is one of the few opportunities ordinary citizens have to directly participate in our justice system. It is not just a civic obligation. It is a civic privilege.
If we want juries that represent a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, and communities, then people from those communities must answer the call when summoned.
Too often, especially in our community, jury duty is viewed as something to avoid. I believe that mindset has cost us more than we realize.
Every empty seat is filled by someone else.
Every excuse to avoid service reduces the likelihood that a jury will truly reflect the people it serves.
Whether the case is local, national, famous, or unknown, the principle remains the same.
Representation does not happen by accident.
It happens when citizens show up.
Serve when called. Pay attention. Participate.
Because justice should never be something that happens around us. It should be something we help shape.
